1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
Li'l Bit is a young, impressionable seventeen year old who is parked on a warm summer night in the mid 1960's with her Uncle Peck in his car for one of their "driving lessons". They both act nonchalant for awhile, but they both know the real reason they're out at night alone... Peck is eager to be rewarded for his good behavior that week.
2. What is the intrusion?
As indicated by the title, the audience is under the impression that young Li'l Bit is sitting in the car to receive instruction on how to drive, but the scene quickly escalates when the older man who's been extra friendly to her, begins touching her inappropriately without much foreplay to warn the audience of what's coming. Readers are now aware of what the true conflict of the play will revolve around.
3. What is the unique factor?
The atmosphere is flirtatious between our main character and her older love interest, but the audience then learns that the older man is her uncle. They are not blood related, but Uncle Peck is still married and taking advantage of an underage girl.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
How far will Uncle Peck go to be fully satisfied?
What insinuated this kind of relationship between Li'l Bit and Peck?
Will Li'l Bit succumb to the stereotype her family makes her out to be?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
Known to most: Uncle Peck is the closest one to Li'l Bit in the family, insinuating them to keep pushing him toward her
Known to one: Uncle Peck's true intentions when spending time with Li'l Bit
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
Every instance and uncomfortable situation is leading up the time time when Li'l Bit turns 18 and is considered legal. It is at this time that Uncle Peck goes as far as to propose to his niece, willing to leave his wife and marry someone more than half his age when the only relationship they've had has centered around physical pleasure.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Self-Worth
Family
Ambiguity
8. Choose the character of Li'l Bit in the show and articulate what she wants and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of her getting what she wants?
Li'l Bit wants to be successful and go to college to develop as her own person, but she faces challenges with Me vs. Society obstacles because others around her take advantage and make fun of her womanly body, lowering her confidence. Her biggest conflict is a Me vs. individuals, like when Uncle Peck says she has a bigger future in playboy than following her passion of receiving an education.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
The car: a place where a teenager is supposed to feel excited and liberated, but it's here that Li'l Bit feels the most confined and obligated to serve.
The alcohol: something that should be avoided for one's own health, Peck uses as an insinuative to be "rewarded" by Li'l Bit
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Family is supposed to be the solid rock a character can turn to when they seek consolation and advice, but in this play, Li'l Bit's family is sending her confusing messages about what it's like to explore her sexuality. Is it right or wrong? Is it her fault for looking like the way she does? If anything happens to her it's probably her fault. Not only that, but Li'l Bit's own uncle is the main antagonist of the story, ultimately affecting her future and how she deals with uncomfortable situations.
- Li'l Bit is a young, impressionable seventeen year old who is parked on a warm summer night in the mid 1960's with her Uncle Peck in his car for one of their "driving lessons". They both act nonchalant for awhile, but they both know the real reason they're out at night alone... Peck is eager to be rewarded for his good behavior that week.
2. What is the intrusion?3. What is the unique factor?
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
8. Choose the character of Li'l Bit in the show and articulate what she wants and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of her getting what she wants?
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.